There are many theories about how and where the “Christmas in July” concept started.

Some say it began in the southern hemisphere, where the real December 25 Christmas holiday falls during the heat of the summer. So the celebration offers people the opportunity to put up decorations and sing carols during their chillier winter season.

Others say that “Christmas in July” gives people in western countries something to celebrate between July and September, a period that lacks recognized holidays. Christmas-themed neighborhood gatherings, restaurant promotions and family reunions have become popular happenings during the summertime.

There’s also the commercial aspect; sales give a boost to retailers of everything from clothing to toys to cars. A more altruistic theory says that the idea grew in churches as a way to encourage charitable giving to boost the donation coffers mid-year.

Regardless of how the tradition started, let’s always honor the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by reflecting on Scripture that can encourage us throughout the whole year.

“This was how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus—because he will save his people from their sins.’” -- Matthew 1:18-21

“There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them, ‘Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord! And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” -- Luke 2:8-12